PitCast Episode 143- "The Owner of Primo Grills - George Samaras" Interview - January 31, 2019
WELCOME TO FEBRUARY!! In this episode, I introduce you to the guy who created one the most iconic brands of ceramic cookers on the market today...NO...not the Big Green Egg...The Primo Cooker!! George Samaras tells us how he was first introduced to ceramic cookers and how it changed his life forever. So much so, that when BGE told him "no" to selling their stuff in Greece, he went on a mission to build his own cooker...years later his success has been fully realized! ENJOY!!
**Listener Note - George has a "barely noticeable" Greek accent...
Cookers:
Large Big Green Egg with a Ceramic Grill Store rack system, and the SnS setup.
Weber Genesis SA-E-330 LP INDIGO with SS Grates, Weber Crafted frame kit, baking stone, griddle (2/3), all from Ace Hardware.
For the first time in a long time I have no kettles as I gave them all away.
Everything Else:
SnS #3 with certificate. I was their first customer.
Sous Vide equipment.
SnS and Thermoworks instant read and leave-in thermometers.
Grill Grates for BGE.
Kingsford Blue Bag, Weber lighter cubes, Weber charcoal chimneys.
Rubs with salt: Meat Church Holy Cow.
Rubs without salt: Home-mixed versions of previously sold SnS Grills Rocky's Rub and Not Just for Beef using their recipe. SPOG.
Spices: Lots of 'em.
John "JR"
Minnesota/ United States of America
******************************************** Grills/Smokers/Fryers Big Green Egg (Large) X3
Blackstone 36" Outdoor Griddle 4-Burner
Burch Barrel V-1 Karubeque C-60 Kamado Joe Jr. (Black) Lodge L410 Hibachi Pit Barrel Cooker Pit Barrel Cooker 2.0
Pit Barrel PBX
R&V Works FF2-R-ST 4-Gallon Fryer *******************************************. Thermometers
FireBoard (Base Package)
Thermoworks ThermaPen (Red)
Thermoworks MK4 (Orange)
********************************* Accessories Big Green Egg Plate Setter
Benzomatic TS800 High Temp Torch X 2 Bayou Classic 44 qt Stainless Stock Pot
Bayou Classic 35K BTU Burner Eggspander Kit X2 Finex Cat Iron Line FireBoard Drive Lots and Lots of Griswold Cast Iron Grill Grates Joule Water Circulator
KBQ Fire Grate Kick Ash Basket (KAB) X4 Lots of Lodge Cast Iron Husky 6 Drawer BBQ Equipment Cabinet Large Vortex Marlin 1894 .44 Magnum Marquette Castings No. 13 (First Run) Smithey No. 12 Smokeware Chimney Cap X 3 Stargazer No.10, 12 ******************************** Fuel FOGO Priemium Lump Charcoal Kingsford Blue and White B&B Charcoal Apple, Cherry & Oak Log splits for the C-60 ************************************************* Cutlery Buck 119 Special
Cuda 7' Fillet Knife Dexter 12" Brisket Sword Global Shun Wusthof ********** Next Major Purchase Lone Star Grillz 24 X 48 Offset
Let's go! I have been waiting for this one. I love these kamados, I am in the process of getting one of these on Craig's List.
It does not surprise me that BGE did want to sell in Greece. I feel like they are very touchy on who and where their products are sold. Then he gets his own BGE and decides to make his own. An I think, I better design. True off set cooking in a kamado. Great idea!
"If they can make it, I can make it better!" I love that!
And I really did not know that people are using different ingredients in their ceramics. I should have known that not all are created equal. Primo does have superior ingredients in their ceramics, I have read that in several different places, but I never really took it as real. I always figured that they used it as a selling point. Ceramics have low airflow and that helps to conserve moisture, another reason why we don't need water pans in ceramics.
I also did not know that Primo was actually made in the US. 25 people making every Primo! (Okay they're is a robot too, but still!)
Gas and ceramic? I have heard the rumors.......But I never really thought that it would come back. I love how it only uses 1/4 of the BTUs. Once again, very efficient.
That was fantastic! When the time comes to expand the arsenal, I will definitely be giving these guys a hard look. The made in U.S.A. is a really strong selling point for me.
Once again, great interview Greg! Please keep them coming!
Just decided a few days ago to buy a Primo after a lot of comparing other cooker styles and manufacturers and I’m feeling better about my decision after listening to the latest Pit Cast! Great interview
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